What potential risk do companies face once they obtain a full listing?

Once companies obtain a full listing on a stock exchange, they become more visible and attract greater investor attention, which can make them attractive targets for acquisition. This visibility can lead to increased interest from competitors and investors alike, who may see strategic value in acquiring a publicly traded company. The heightened scrutiny and market valuation that comes with a full listing also means that larger firms or investors may pursue acquisition strategies to capitalize on potential synergies or market advantages.

In contrast, becoming less marketable, increasing private ownership, or losing regulatory oversight do not adequately capture the potential dynamics faced by publicly listed firms. With a full listing, companies generally experience greater marketability due to increased access to capital and investor interest, while private ownership typically decreases as shares are available to the public. Additionally, regulatory oversight typically increases with a full listing, not decreases, as publicly traded companies are subject to more stringent requirements and scrutiny.